A company aims to reduce attempts

A new CVS Health/Harris Poll survey shows that suicide continues to be a crisis in the United States, with 89% of adults in the country identifying suicide prevention efforts as a major priority in our society.

“Our nation continues to face a mental health and suicide crisis, especially among youth and older adults,” said Cara McNulty, President of Behavioral Health and Mental Well-being at CVS Health. “However, with timely, evidence-based interventions, and public awareness efforts, we know suicide is preventable.”

This survey was conducted online in August, with 2,016 U.S. adults age 18 and over who agreed to answer questions about sensitive and personal information about mental health, including topics related to suicide.

Other findings in the survey:

• 18% of survey respondents said they were plagued with suicidal thoughts within the past year
• 36% said there were times within the past year when they contemplated suicide.
• 32% said they strongly agree that they can recognize the warning signs of someone potentially at risk for suicide
• 43% said they are strongly aware of resources offering support and information on suicide prevention.

A commitment to mental health

CVS Health also reported on its efforts to reduce suicide attempts among Aetna members. (Aetna is a subsidiary of CVS Health.) When compared with a 2019 baseline, there was a 16% reduction in suicide attempts among adult Commercial members.

Attempts among 13-17-year-olds were still above the 2019 baseline, but there was a 13% reduction from 2022 to 2021.

“Every suicide that is prevented is a life that is saved,” said Taft Parsons III, M.D., Vice President and Chief Psychiatric Officer at CVS Health. “We are working closely with our partners to implement targeted interventions for youth and develop similar programming for older adults. Together we can help raise awareness of the ongoing crisis and connect those in need to evidence-based resources that can help save lives.”

Resources to help prevent suicide

CVS Health said it has several partnerships and programs in place to support Aetna members, including:

• an outreach program for high-risk youth members
• access to specialized outpatient programs, including a suicide prevention program combining digital solutions, telehealth sessions, and specially trained clinicians
• a program that sends a simple message of hope to Aetna members who are discharged from an intensive level of care related to suicide.

“We’ve developed an approach based on early detection, data-backed support methods, programs for those that have lost someone to suicide and community education to help those in need and empower their support systems,” said McNulty. “Every life saved is worth the effort.”

We demand accountability

The Law Offices of Skip Simpson is passionate about suicide prevention. Psychiatric hospitals and mental health care providers have a responsibility to try to prevent patient suicides. When that responsibility is not met, responsible parties should be held accountable.

Attorney Skip Simpson is a nationally recognized expert in inpatient suicide law. He has represented many families nationwide following the death of a loved one by suicide. He understands what they are going through and fights to help them seek justice – and works to help prevent future suicides.

Learn more about how we can help. Contact us to schedule a free and confidential consultation.